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    Home » Recipes » No Cook

    Published: May 28, 2022 · Modified: Feb 25, 2023 by Jeremy Klae · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Crab Salad Recipe: A Light and Refreshing Summer Dish

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Look no further than this Crab Salad Recipe if you're in search of a light and refreshing summer dish. Made with imitation crab meat and a mayonnaise-based dressing, it's perfect for picnics and potlucks. It's also very easy to make, so you can whip it up quickly. For a fancier meal, take a look at this creamy crab pasta recipe!

    Crab Salad served on a croissant.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Recipes You'll Love
    • 📖 Recipe

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    Crab salad is so fresh and summery tasting that you can't go wrong with making it for your family and friends. It's fast, easy, pretty, and flavorful. If you like these kinds of recipes, you'll probably also love this easy Shrimp Toast recipe.

    Ingredients

    Imitation Crab: You can certainly use real crab meat, but before you even think about doing so, I recommend taking a look at the Expert Tips section below. Crab sticks are much more affordable than crabmeat, and for this kind of recipe, will be perfectly fine.

    Fruits and Vegetables: For this crab salad recipe, you're going to want shallots, green onions, and the juice of fresh lemon.

    Seasonings, Spices, and Herbs: The seasonings, spices, and herbs are pretty simple for a great Crab Salad recipe. In fact, I say you don't want to overdo it. Let the crab flavor shine through. You'll want to grab some kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and fresh dill.

    Crab Salad Dressing: For the crab salad dressing base, you'll need mayonnaise, stone ground mustard, and sour cream. I'm sure you already have these ingredients.

    See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Shallots in a handheld food processor.

    Step 1: Dice the imitation crab. I find that it's easiest in a hand-powered food processor. Add the pieces and give them a few good spins until you achieve your desired texture.

    Next, dice up the shallots and green onions. You can do this using the same hand-powered food processor.

    Add the imitation crab, shallots, and green onions to a large mixing bowl.

    Crab salad dressing in a glass mixing bowl.

    Step 2: Whisk together the mayonnaise, stone-ground mustard, sour cream, fresh dill, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl.

    Dressing being added to a glass mixing bowl full of imitation crab and diced shallots.

    Step 3: Lastly, pour the crab salad dressing over the imitation crab and veggie mixture and gently stir to combine all ingredients.

    I recommend covering and refrigerating for at least 2 hours before serving. This will allow everything to get cold again and give the flavors time to meld.

    Expert Tips

    • The only reason I would ever personally use imitation crab is due to availability and price. Also, when I went to our local grocery store and weighed my options, I looked at a small can of crab for $40 and a package of imitation crab for less than $10. Price and availability won!
    • This salad is perfect for a sandwich, specifically on a croissant with fresh lettuce and sliced tomato.
    • Try serving this crab salad recipe on salads. That could be any salad with an array of different greens and toppings. Make your salad and top it off with a generous scoop of this summertime classic.
    • If you plan on having a party or attending one, this must be in your top five go-to recipes. It's colorful, flavorful, and versatile. Pair your crab salad with an array of crackers, and you've got an entire platter for everyone to hover over.

    Recipe FAQs

    What is Imitation Crabmeat?

    Imitation crab, also known as crab stick, is made from fish paste called surimi, which is made from white fish such as pollock or tilapia combined with salt egg whites and other ingredients used as a binder. It is then shaped and flavored to resemble crab meat. It is often used in sushi or crab salad and can be found in most grocery stores.

    What does crab salad contain?

    Crab salad contains either fresh crab meat or imitation crab mixed with a mayonnaise-based dressing and herbs and spices for added flavor.

    What goes with crab salad?

    Crab salad makes an excellent sandwich with freshly sliced tomato served on a croissant. It's also perfect as a dip with assorted crackers or a spread on toast.

    What is imitation crab salad made of?

    Imitation crab salad is made with imitation crab and a mayonnaise-based dressing combined with assorted veggies, herbs, and spices for added flavor and texture.

    Is imitation crab salad good?

    Yes, imitation crab salad is excellent and has a great flavor, similar to real crab. The best part is that it's a fraction of the price compared to canned or fresh crab.

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    Imitation Crab Salad served on a croissant.

    If you made this Easy Crab Salad Recipe recipe or any other of my recipes, please leave a Star Rating and let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 

    Don't forget to tag @chickenfriedkitchen on Instagram, Subscribe on YouTube, and Follow on Pinterest and Facebook! I'll see you there!

    📖 Recipe

    Crab Salad Sandwich served on a croissant.

    Crab Salad Recipe: A Light and Refreshing Summer Dish

    Crab Salad is light and refreshing, perfect for summertime. It's made with imitation crab meat and a mayonnaise-based dressing.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizers, Main, Sides
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
    Servings: 10 servings
    Calories: 137kcal
    Author: Jeremy Klae

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb Imitation Crab - diced
    • 1 Shallot - diced
    • 3-4 Green Onions - sliced
    • Juice of Half a Lemon
    • ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
    • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
    • ½ tsp. Smoked Paprika
    • ½ Tbsp. Fresh Dill - diced
    • ½ Cup Mayonnaise
    • 1 teaspoon Stone Ground Mustard
    • ¼ Cup Sour Cream

    Instructions

    • Start by dicing up the imitation crab. I find that it's easiest in a hand-powered food processor. Simply add the pieces and give it a few good spins until your desired texture.
    • Next, dice up the shallots and green onions. You can obviously do this using the exact same hand-powered food processor or with a sharp kitchen knife, whichever you prefer.
    • Add the imitation crab along with the shallots and green onions to a large mixing bowl.
    • In a separate bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, stone ground mustard, sour cream, fresh dill, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.
    • Lastly, pour the crab salad dressing over the imitation crab and veggie mixture and gently stir to combine all of the ingredients.
    • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This will not only allow everything to get cold again but will give the flavors time to meld.

    Video

    YouTube video

    Notes

    • Imitation crab is much more cost-effective than the real thing. when I went to our local grocery store and weighed my options, I looked at a small can of crab for $40 and a package of imitation crab for less than $10. Price and availability won!
    • This crab salad is perfect for a sandwich, specifically on a croissant with fresh lettuce and sliced tomato.
    • Try serving this crab salad recipe on salads. That could be any salad with an array of different greens and toppings. Make your salad and top it off with a generous scoop of this summertime classic.
    • If you plan on having a party or attending one, this must be in your top five go-to recipes. It's colorful, flavorful, and versatile. Pair your crab salad with an array of crackers, and you've got an entire platter for everyone to hover over.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 137kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 451mg | Potassium: 41mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 258IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @ChickenFriedKitchen or tag #chickenfriedkitchen!

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